Incontinence is a somewhat embarrassing condition that can affect most Australians at some stage during their lifetimes. It’s not a condition that’s reserved only for seniors either, as it can occasionally afflict younger people as well. Both men and women can suffer from problems with incontinence, but it tends to be more prevalent in women.
Incontinence can be a fact of life and there are contributing factors that can cause it. It’s nothing to be ashamed of and, if you suffer from incontinence, you can control or even cure the problem with the right treatment plan.
What Is Urinary Incontinence?
Essentially, it’s where a person loses control of their bladder. Urine leaks from the bladder even when not going to the bathroom. It can happen anywhere and at anytime.
The good news is, there is something you can do about it. You don’t have to live with incontinence as it is treatable.
Before we look at some possible treatments, let’s learn a little more about the issue and what can cause it.
Dealing With the Psychological Implications of Incontinence
As mentioned, there is no shame in having incontinence, although unintentionally wetting yourself – particularly if you’re in a public place – is not your ideal scenario.
The point is though, being incontinent is nothing unusual and it certainly doesn’t make the sufferer less of a person. Incontinence sufferers are not alone, as it’s one of the more common medical conditions in today’s world. It’s definitely nothing to be ashamed of or embarrassed about and there are effective treatments and prevention programs available, which we’ll take a look at shortly.
What Can Cause Incontinence In Men and Women?
There can be a number of different causes of incontinence. One of the more common causes is a weakening of the muscles that control the bladder. For women, this can occur following pregnancy and childbirth and it’s also a common condition in older people.
Another quite common cause of incontinence is infection in the urinary tract which leads to having problems controlling urine flow.
At other times, the bladder doesn’t completely empty when using the bathroom and this can result in a consistent dribble of urine following using the toilet.
Other incontinence sufferers only experience an issue with the condition when their bodies are put under stress or load. Examples of this could be lifting weights at the gym, coughing, sneezing, sudden movements, or even laughing.
To work out the type of incontinence issue you have and how to treat it, it’s best to seek professional advice and assistance.
Sometimes, incontinence can result from some other, more serious underlying condition, such as cancer or kidney stones.
How To Treat Urinary Incontinence
Step one is not to let shame or embarrassment stop you from seeking help with your incontinence problem. Without professional help, you’ll be left in the dark wondering what to do about it.
Make an appointment with your GP in the first instance and let them know you’re having issues. They can then refer you to a urologist who will run some tests and assess your individual situation. Once this has been accomplished, a urinary incontinence treatment plan can be devised and put into practice.
The type of treatment plan your healthcare professional will devise for you will depend on the type of incontinence you have and the severity of the problem. If you’re suffering from a weakening of the muscles that control the bladder, certain pelvic exercises will be recommended to strengthen those muscles and return self-control to bladder function.
If incontinence is the result of a urinary tract infection, this can generally be treated with a course of antibiotics. Once the infection is under control and eradicated, this should resolve your incontinence issue.
A poor diet can also play its role in causing incontinence issues. Your urologist can advise you on the best foods to eat, along with what foods and liquids to avoid so you won’t exacerbate the problem.
In Conclusion
With expert advice and the proper treatment, you can control or even eradicate incontinence. If you’re suffering from this condition, don’t just hide in shame. Seek professional help to see what can be done about it.
